By KLCC News
EUGENE — Oregon State Police say they arrested 52 people after a protest shut down Interstate 5 in Eugene for two hours Monday morning.
Police say the demonstration began around 10 a.m. and affected the southbound lanes between Beltline and Interstate 105. Traffic was re-opened by noon.
The action was part of a nationwide action Monday in support of Palestine. Similar traffic-blocking protests occurred around the country, including one that caused a shutdown of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as well as an access road for the Seattle airport.
Police say more than 120 officers from four agencies responded to the scene, with additional responders from ODOT and Eugene Springfield Fire.
Most of those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct. Oregon State Police said two people were also charged with conspiracy and theft. Police also said six vehicles were towed from the scene.
Blocking traffic is always a great way to gain public support.
This kind of protesting is wrong. They should bring a large Caterpillar, warn them to move and if they don’t plow a path so people can get where they need to go. Allowing this type of activity to continue needs to come to a stop.